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EULOGY 



LIFE AND CHARACTEH 



OF THE LATE 



ZACHARY TAYLOR, 



TWELFTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES : 



DELIVERED AT THE REQUEST OF THE 



AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF BOSTON, 



AUGUST 15, 1850. 



BY JOSIAH QUINCY, JR. 



BOSTON: 

18 50. 

J. H. EASTBURN, CITY PRINTEE. 



F in. 



L 



'L 



CI 



CITY OF BOSTON. 



In the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, 

August 19, 1850. 

Ordered, That the thanks of the City Council, be presented to the Hon. 
Josiah Quinct, Jr., for his appropriate and eloquent address, delivered in 
Faneuil Hall, on the 15th instant, on the Life and Character of the late President 
of the United States, and that a copy thereof be requested for the press. 

Ordered, That the several votes of the City Council, concerning the de- 
cease of the late President, together with the addresses of the Presiding Olficers 
of the two branches, and the order of an-angements and proceedings on the day 
appointed for observing the funeral obsequies, be printed together with the 
Funeral Eulogy. 

Sent down for concurrence. 

JOHN P. BIGELOW, Mayor. 



In Common Council, August 20, 1850. 

Concurred. 

FKANCIS BEINLEY, President. 

A true copy. 

Attest: S. P. McCleary, City Clerk. 



U L G Y. 



On the evening of the 9 th of July, at the Capital of 
the country, surrounded by a devoted family and in the 
presence of the highest officers of the Republic, an old 
man died ! Four days afterwards, from Louisiana to 
Maine — from the shores of the ocean to the outskirts of 
the prairies — the solemn bell and the booming cannon 
testified the People's grief for the Man, the Magistrate, 
and the Soldier ! 

Since that time, in every part of our wide-spread Re- 
public, and even beyond the Ocean, the eloquent and 
gifted have been employed in portraying the character 
and dilating on the services of the great departed. And 
we, citizens of Boston, and inhabitants of New England, 
have assembled in this place, consecrated by so many 
associations, to express our sympathy with the private, 
and our appreciation of the public loss. A few weeks 
ago, we had hoped at this time to have welcomed the 
patriot to this Cradle of Liberty, and to have accompa- 
nied the Soldier to the heights of Charlestown, that he 
mio-ht have derived inspiration from the halls where 



Adams and Otis spoke, and the fields where Prescott 
commanded and Warren bled. But it has pleased the 
Disposer of Events to call him to a more intimate in- 
tercourse with those great defenders of our liberty than 
we could have ofiered him through our memories and 
associations. On his account we do not come to mourn ; 
he had lived the allotted time of man upon earth ; he 
had devoted his life to the service of his country ; he 
died in the highest position to which that country could 
elevate him. But, as citizens of a Eepublic, we regret 
that we shall see his face no more, and shall not, m the 
trying times of the State, derive benefit from his wisdom, 
or protection from his valor. 

But we are not without consolation. The life of 
individual man is soon past ; but its influence, like the 
train of light that follows the sunset, remains to illu- 
mine the world after he has passed to other regions. 
The fame of a great and good man is the property of 
the race. The wealth he toiled for may be squandered ; 
the lands he cultivated may be waste ; the hearth-stone 
he loved may be desolate ; the marble which protects 
his ashes may be shattered ; his sons, his kindred, his 
name, his race, his nation, may have vanished — but the 
words of wisdom which he uttered, the acts of heroism 
he performed, are as immortal as his soul. 

While life remains there is always a possibility that 
judgment may err — that constancy may fail — the past 
is only sealed for the departed. 



The fame and character of him whom we commemo- 
rate is secure. He is associated with the great and 
good who have preceded him in office. He has become 
one of that constellation, whose benignant rays shed a 
blessing on our country, and by which the statesman 
shall guide the bark of state on its course in safety. 

We have still another cause to be grateful — President 
Taylor was taken when his services seemed most essen-^ 
tial, and yet no convulsion follows. 

Thebes fell with Epaminondas ; but, thanks to our 
patriot sires, the foundations of the temple of American 
liberty are so firmly laid and so closely cemented, that 
the loss of no uidi\ddual can shake its pillars. 

As the Moslem to Mecca, as the Hebrew to Mount 
Sion, so may the oppressed of every race turn to our 
glorious Union for refuge until time shall be no more. 

The history of President Taylor is too well known 
to need repetition. Born in 1784, he passed his early 
life in Kentucky, then a frontier State, w^here the 
neighborhood of the Indians and the sports and manly 
exercises of his position gave him the habits and energy 
of a soldier. He received his first commission in 1808, 
and distinguished himself by the defence of Fort Har- 
rison in 1812. Afterwards, for nearly a quarter of a 
century, he was with the army on the frontiers, form- 
ing a character that made him the favorite of his follow- 
ers, and strengthened the confidence of the government 
and his fellow officers in his judgment and efficiency. 
During that time his existence was scarcely known to 



the great majority of his fellow citizens. How slow of 
growth is that which is destined for perpetuity ! The 
oak that is to be a screen from the sun and a shelter 
from the storm, during the lapse of ages, requires a 
century to brmg it to perfection. 

But the time he waited for at length arrived. 

The Florida war had been carried on for several years, 
at an immense expenditure of money, and a still more 
deplorable destruction of life — with no prospect of 
advantageous termination. 

A court of inquiry was called, at which one who had 
long been a commander at the West said, " that there 
was one man in the army whose experience in war with 
the savage tribes, and connexion with them when 
Indian Agent, would enable him to bring it to a suc- 
cessful close — and that man was Colonel Taylor !" 

The brilliant termination of the campaign in a single 
action, rendered peculiarly striking the wisdom of the 
selection. 

In 1841 he was stationed on the frontier of Arkansas, 
having, at his own request, been relieved from his posi- 
tion in Florida. 

In the spring of 1845, while completing his arrange- 
ments for leaving the army, he received orders, in an- 
ticipation of the annexation of Texas to the United 
States, to resist the Mexican invasion. Having been 
always opposed to the acquisition of that territory. Gen- 
eral Taylor's first impulse was to resign his commission. 
But a strong sense of his duty as a soldier prevailed. 



He felt that after having served the State for forty 
years, he had no right to desert when she peculiarly 
needed his services. He thought that it might be in his 
power to shorten the duration, and mitigate the horrors 
of the war. And well was this object attained — his 
military talents securing the one, and the kindness of 
his heart the other. 

Time does not permit me to enlarge upon his career 
in Mexico— Monterey, Palo Alto, and Buena Vista will 
stand forever upon our country's history. They were 
battles where great courage and consummate military 
skill were united with a fertility of resource, and saga- 
city of condition, that have never been surpassed. 

At the conclusion of the war he returned to the 
United States, where an admiring and grateful people 
elevated him, without any endeavor on his part, to the 
highest honor that man can bestow, by placing him at 
the head of a free and intelligent nation. 

His position as President was attended with many 
trials and annoyances. The opposition of the highest 
branch of the legislature, the want of personal experi- 
ence, and even of previous acquaintance with those 
recommended by different interests for members of his 
Cabinet, harassed and distressed the man to whom 
State chicanery and political intrigue were almost 
unknown. 

I had the honor of being with President Taylor a 
few days before his inauguration, when waited upon by 
a delegation from one of the States, to recommend one 



10 



of their citizens for a place in the Cabinet ; which, as 
showing his character, may not be without interest. 

He listened with marked attention to their represen- 
tations, and when they concluded, replied in a courteous 
and dignified manner : 

" Gentlemen, for forty years I have been serving my 
country on the frontiers, and have never seen the faces 
of those on whose advice and wisdom I must rely in 
governing the republic — I am desirous of obtaining 
information from every source. I thank you for what 
you have told me of the peculiar merits and qualifica- 
tions of this gentleman. When the time of decision 
comes, you may be certain that your representations 
shall receive their full weight." 

His high merit could not screen him from the shafts 
of political calumny, and it is a melancholy reflection 
that his last days were embittered by imfounded charges 
which a mere politician would have regarded with con- 
tempt, but which wounded deeply the sensitive feelings 
of the brave old man. He died, and his calumniators 
blushed that they were numbered amongst his foes. 

Hours might be devoted to the recapitulation of the 
services of General Taylor ; but I need no apology for 
not repeating here facts that will be the theme of 
the historian, when we and this celebration are alike 
forgotten. Did I want a precedent for brevity, I should 
find it in the example of him whose loss we deplore. 

General Taylor was a soldier, and it was success as a 
soldier that made him President of the United States. 



11 



It is to be hoped that the time will soon come when 
the " pride, pomp and circumstance " of war will be 
insufficient to conceal its real deformity ; but till then, 
being of the military profession will not and should not 
prevent a man from receiving the reward due to his merits. 

" At the great and general review of us all, Corporal," 
says the beau ideal of the old soldier, as portrayed by 
Sterne, " at the great and general review of us all, I 
mean the Day of Judgment, if a man have but done his 
duty in this world, it will never be inquired whether he 
did it in a red coat or a black one." 

And the citizens of a republic will be prompt to dis- 
cover and ready to reward the services of her servants, 
whether they have been rendered in the field or the 
cabinet. 

What are the qualities that naturally attract atten- 
tion, inspire confidence, and awaken love in a generous 
and intelligent people 1 

The first is that wisdom which enables a man to 
judge what are the best ends and what are the best 
means to attain them. 

General Taylor eminently possessed this character- 
istic. We hear of the exploits of the battle field ; but 
it is not there that the action and merit of a general are 
principally to be seen. He must inspire his men with 
courage ; he must concentrate his forces at a moment ; 
he must be ready for every emergency. 

In this power General Taylor was super-eminent. 
He invaded a hostile territory with a small force ; com- 



12 



posed principally of volunteers ; by constant drilling 
lie made tlicm soldiers. He inspired them with confi-^ 
dence in him and in themselves. He selected with 
infinite judgment the position which would bring them 
into action and immortalized his name. But it is the 
part of wisdom not only to see what can be done, and 
devise a means of effecting it. It must also weigh what 
is to be gained against what may be lost in its attain- 
ment. 

Some ancient philosophers compared the world to a 
great market, where every thing that w^as desirable 
could be had if you would pay the price — and taught 
that one great element of wisdom consisted in deciding 
whether the article was worth the price, or not. 

What an illustration of this quality is seen in the 
great battle in Florida. The enemy were intrenched in 
a dense hummock — approachable only through a morass 
— out of the reach of artillery — and inaccessible to cav- 
alry. It Avas certain that a great loss of life must be 
incurred. But he saw that the object was worth the 
sacrifice. He paid the price and finished the war. For 
he had wisdom to improve the victory he won. By his 
wise, firm, and conciliatory course, the hostile tribes 
were led to submit, and he had the honor of closing a 
war, that at one time was deemed to be perpetual. 

'Tis much he dared, 
And to tliat dauntless temper of his mind, 
He added wisdom, that did guide his valor 
To aet in safety. 



13 



Wisdom, judgment, intellectual power, are always 
objects of admiration. "We admire them on the Bench, 
where the genius of the present gathers strength from 
the wisdom of the past. We admire them in the Sen- 
ate house, where the destiny of the future depends on 
a single mind. In these situations intellect is exerted 
under every advantage — surrounded by admiring friends 
— protected by the whole power of the State — inde- 
pendence guaranteed by the letter of the Constitution. 

How different and how superior is the exercise of 
judgment and intellect on the field of battle ! — where 
death rides upon the storm — where the Commander 
feels that the safety of his followers, the destiny of his 
country, may depend on his decision ; and knows not 
but the next moment may summon him to eternity ! 
A man whose reason can, at such a moment, triumph 
over the fear of death, and be calm when all else is in 
excitement, is a spectacle that no one can contemplate 
without veneration. 

Did General Taylor possess this quality 1 Let Oke- 
chobee, and Monterey, and Buena Vista answer. 

Energetic courage must be united to wisdom and 
self-possession in a leader of a people — " The will to do, 
the soul to dare." 

Courage, in some of its forms, is hardly a virtue. In 
rage and recklessness the madman meets danger, as 
the bull closes his eyes w^hen he rushes headlong on 
his foe. 



u 



The courage of a general to whom is entrusted the 
lives of his followers and the honor of his country 
should have a higher basis. It must be founded on 
calm reason and a sense of duty. 

At the battle of Buena Vista it was suggested by the 
officers that he should fall back. His reply was, " My 
wounded are behind me. I shall never pass them 
alive." 

Many are the sayings of the wise and valiant recorded 
in ancient story — but I know of none which to my 
mind conveys a deeper meaning than those simple 
words. They were worthy of the old Roman — " It is 
not necessary for me to live, but it is necessary for me 
to do my duty." 

On one occasion it was thought that his courage 
almost became fool hardiness, when he refused, at the 
request of his officers, to leave his well-known and 
favorite steed for one less conspicuous in color. He 
felt that his presence, though dangerous to himself, 
would give the highest stimulus to his followers, and 
was willing at personal hazard thus to contribute to 
the fortune of the day. It was attended in this instance 
with a sad result. In the heat of the first day's battle, 
the Indiana Volunteers broke under the fire of the 
Mexicans, and left uncovered the battery of the gallant 
Captain Sherman, with which he afterwards performed 
so essential a part on that trying day ; in an instant, 
an officer, mounted on a white steed, rushed to the 
front to urge and lead them on to their duty. He was 



15 



mistaken for General Taylor, whose daring courage lie 
emulated. A hundred rifles were at once levelled, and 
he fell, covered with wounds. That oflficer was a son 
of Massachusetts — a son of one whom she had repeat- 
edly called to her highest office. 

Citizens of Boston ! may we not — speaking to his 
honored and honorable father, in behalf of a State 
whose escutcheon teaches that liberty is to be preserved 
by valor — say : 

" Had I a thousand sons, 

I would not wish them to a fairer death." 

But judgment, firmness, discretion, promptness, cour- 
age, may inspire confidence without awakening aftec- 
tion. It was the daily beauty of his life, it was the 
tenderness of his heart, added to the exactness of his 
intellect and the energy of his will, that rendered Gen- 
eral Taylor the idol of the army and the choice of his 
people. 

As might be anticipated, General Taylor's manner of 
life was simple and unostentatious. In the field, his 
couch was as hard and his fare as meagre as that of his 
humblest follower. He had no taste for the ijlitter of 
the parade ground. He was content with being, with- 
out appearing to be, a soldier. 

The highest honor in ancient chivalry was conferred 
when a soldier was knighted in the field, and received, 
in presence of those who had witnessed the prowess of 
his arm, the titles and designation which he embroid- 



16 



ered on his banner and emblazoned on his shield. The 
army has its familiar names as well as the family, ex- 
pressing more fully than any titles the estimation in 
which the soldier holds his comrade. It was not the 
Emperor Napoleon, but the " Little Corporal," who led 
the armies of France from Thebes to Moscow. It was 
not Brigadier General Taylor, but " Old Rough and 
Ready," that the American troops followed to victory 
or death. 

Valor as well as beauty gains a charm from the un- 
consciousness of its possessor. I had the good fortune 
to pass several days under the same roof with the late 
President, and as I observed his quiet and simple man- 
ners and unpretending dress and appearance, I could 
not but ask, if it were possible this could be the warrior 
who sat composedly overlooking the field of Buena 
Vista] 

It is needless to dwell on the kindness and sympathy 
for the wounded and suffering which marked his career. 
His lenity was so great towards the vanquished, as to 
lead the Secretary of War to express dissatisfaction with 
his course ; and the General defended himself on the 
ground of universal philanthropy. 

After the battle of Buena Vista, he sent forward a 
train of wagons, accompanied by surgeons, to adminis- 
ter to the wounded who might fall by the way ; and, 
doubting in some degree, his right so to appropriate the 
public property, he caused separate accoimts to be kept 
of the expenditure, that he might, if necessary, pay for 



17 



it himself. But it was in social and domestic life that 
these qualities received their full development His 
death was correspondent with his life, and his last 
regret was not that he was called from earth, but that 
he was forced to leave those he loved behind ! 

In addition to, and above all other qualities, General 
Taylor was distinguished by a love for his country, and 
of his whole country. He belonged to the nation — he 
had served the nation, and when called to be its head, 
he suffered himself to be swayed by no local prejudices 
or attachments. He was from the South, yet he recom- 
mended a Tariff. He was a slaveholder, and yet was 
in favor of the admission of California. As a South- 
ern man and a slaveholder, he was denied the sym- 
pathy and support of the Free Soil party. He died, 
and they found one of their most effective champions 
died with him. 

The position of an army officer is peculiarly national. 
He feels that he belongs to the public, and the nation 
feels he belongs to them. When we speak of Washingis 
ton, who thinks of him as belonging to any one sectioft 
of the country? His services and his fame ^re the 
property of the whole republic ; hardly, indeed, does it 
belong exclusively even to that. We forget that be 
was a Virginian — we forget that he was an American. 
We remember only that he was a benefactor to his race. 

Such were some of the qualities which inspired his 
fellow citizens with respect and affection for General 
Taylor. The positions in which he was placed were 



18 



such that the principles which governed his conduct 
must be known. His life was always before the pub- 
lic, and subject to the close and daily observation of 
those whose comfort and whose safety depended upon 
him, and with a unanimous voice they acknowledged 
his wisdom, his foresight, his prudence, his valor, his 
disinterestedness, his kindness, his patriotism. I have 
never heard of one among the thousands he command- 
ed who denied his title to these high and ennobling 
qualities. 

The dignity and self-possession of the magistrate are 
well known. The aggressive spirit of conquest was re- 
strained by the force of his character and the magic of 
his name. 

He adopted means by which the new territories form- 
ed their own constitutions, and, by so doing, excluded 
slavery, without giving unnecessary cause of irritation. 
On the great question of protecting American labor, 
though a Southern man, he had Northern principles. 
In his management of the affairs of Cuba, his energy 
and promptness gained him the admiration of the 
world. And when excited men talked of disunion, his 
reply was, " Should that standard ever be upreared, I 
will plant the Stars and Stripes by its side, and strike 
it down with my own hand, though no man South of 
the Potomac come to my aid," — and we felt that the 
Union was secure ! From the day he entered on his 
office, the public confidence in his wisdom, his integrity 
and his energy, constantly increased ; and when his 



19 



death was announced, thousands felt that a mam pillar 
in the Temple of our Union had fallen, and many who 
had never seen him mourned him as a father and a 
friend. 

His last words furnished the key-note that explained 
the harmony of his whole career : " I have endeavored 
to do my duty." It was this endeavor that enabled 
him to pass through the various trying scenes of life, 
and to meet death with calmness and serenity. 

To mortal man, the death scene of his fellow must 
always be an object of interest ; the circumstances of our 
lives may differ, but that hour we must meet. Happy 
are those who can say with truth, when it comes — " I 
am prepared. I have endeavored to do my duty." 

Here, then, to mortal view, closes the career of the 
war-worn veteran. But faith and imagination can fol- 
low him still further. The great Eoman orator, with 
no light but that of reason, anticipated his death with 
joy ; for his hope was that he should be admitted to the 
society, not only of those whom he had known and 
loved on earth, but to that of the good and gifted of all 
times, who had enlightened his mind by their wisdom, 
and elevated his character by their example. 

If his anticipations as to the future coiiclition of our 
race should be realized, what a scene must have opened, 
as the eye of the veteran closed on earth. 

The warrior chiefs of ancient times would hardly be 
noticed, for from the palisades of Fort Harrison — from 
the everglades of Florida — from the heights of Monte- 



20 



rey — from the plateaus of Buena Vista — the spirits of 
those that fell would flock to welcome their loved Com- 
mander ! And, above all, how would Washington 
that patriot soldier rejoice to receive one whose life 
was modeled on his own. 

They w^ere alike in their early training — in the expe- 
riences of Indian warfare — in the rare union of wisdom 
and valor — in inspiring confidence in all who approach- 
ed them — in being spontaneously called by the j)eople 
to the highest elective office in the world. 

" One star differeth from another star in glory," and 
our eulogium on President Taylor is — that he shall 
stand second on the page of American history to him 

who was " FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE, FIRST IN 
THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRYMEN." 



PROCEEDINaS 



CITY GOVERNMENT OF BOSTON, 



KECEPTION OF THE INTELLIGENCE 



DEATH OF PRESIDENT TAYLOR. 



PROCEEDINGS. 



A special meeting of the City Council was called, by order 
of his Honor, the Mayor, on Wednesday, July 10th, at 12 
o'clock, M. 

The Common Council was called to order by the President, 
Francis Brinley, Esq., who addressed them as follows : 

Gentlemen of the Common Council — With painful emotions 
I announce to you, as the cause of this special meeting, the 
sad intelligence, which was received last night, of the death 
of the President of the United States. 

A few days since he was participating in the ceremonies 
designed to commemorate the return of the Anniversary of 
our National Jubilee. Before the ceremonies closed, the dis- 
ease, which terminated his brilliant career, had insinuated 
itself into the very springs of life with fatal celerity. By a 
rare felicity, his last act in public was at the lofty sides of the 
monument now being erected to the object of his veneration 
and study, the First President. 

Zachary Taylor is no more ! It is the first time I have 
ever pronounced that name without a. joyous thrill. Gentlemen, 
I have not the power, at this moment of overwhelming grief, 
to attempt his eulogy; nor is it the appropriate time. It is 
for the City Council to determine how tbe good people of 
Boston can best testify their estimate of his worth and their 
profound sorrow at this afflicting national bereavement. 

The President then read the following communication from 
the Mayor: 



24 



City of Boston, July 10, 1850. To the President and 
Members of the Common Council. Zachary Taylor, Presi- 
dent of the United States, is no more ! He expired at the 
Executive Mansion in Washington, last evening at lOh o'clock. 

I refrain comment, at present, upon an event, which is an 
overwhelming calamity to our own country, and which will 
be mourned by all good men throughout the world. 

I have convened you in order that suitable measures may 
be taken to manifest the respect, which all classes of the peo- 
ple of Boston entertain for the memory of the deceased. 

John P. Bigelow, Mayor. 

It was then ordered, on motion of Mr. Kimball, amended 
on motion of Mr. Crane, that the President and one member 
from each Ward, with such as the Board of Aldermen may 
join, be a Committee to make suitable arrangements for cele- 
brating the obsequies of General Zachary Taylor, late Presi- 
dent of the United States. 

The following gentlemen were appointed members of this 
Committee on the part of the Council : — Messrs. Munroe, of 
Ward 1 ; Raymond, Ward 2 ; Carter, Ward 3 ; Gardner, 
Ward 4 ; Wright, Ward 5 ; Dale, Ward 6 ; Haskell, Ward 7; 
Harrington, Ward 8 ; Sever, Ward 9 ; Kimball, Ward 10 ; 
Minot, W^ard 11 ; and Crane, Ward 12. 

The Council then adjourned to the room of the Board of 
Mayor and Aldermen. 

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen were called to order 
at half past twelve o'clock, by his Honor, the Mayor, who 
addressed them, substantially, in the following language :* 

Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen : 

Under the authority of the charter, I have summoned 
you together at this time, (as I have also, the other branch of 
the government) to communicate to you intelligence disas- 

* The Mayor hud uo iioles, and his remarks are given as reported for the 
daily jjress. 



25 



trous to the happiness and welfare of the great American 
family — Zachary Taylor, President of the United States, is 
no more ! He expired, last night, at the executive mansion 
in Washington. 

I have thought it indispensable to the character of the citi- 
zens of Boston that their municipal fathers should be con- 
vened, at the earliest moment, to take measures to manifest 
to the world the undivided respect, which they bear to the 
memory of the illustrious deceased. I am so utterly astound- 
ed with the news, that I have no words at my command to 
express, adequately, my sense of the momentous character of 
the event which assembles us in council. The funeral knell 
was never tolled [all the bells in the city, at this time, were 
tolling] for an event more ominous to American welfare. 
There is no class, no party, no sect in our community, which 
does not regard this dispensation of Providence as one of the 
most afflictive which has ever befallen our country. 

It was but a few days since, that we were engaged in mak- 
ing preparations to receive President Taylor, as the guest of 
Boston, upon the adjournment of Congress. We were to 
have gone forth to our gates to receive him, on the spot 
where our fathers received Washington. We were to receive 
him with more than the ordinary respect tendered to a Chief 
Magistrate, because we believed that he was like Washington, 
in the chief excellencies of his character. 

We were to lead forth our children to see him. We were 
to show him our city — our public institutions, and extend to 
him our profuse hospitality. Not because he was to come as 
a conqueror, but as coming with far greater honors than the 
trophies of war ; the glories of a personal character, which 
do honor to humanity ; for having been more conspicuous 
for his humanity than for his conquests — a humanity far 
more glorious than the deeds enrolled on the bloody annals 
of the battle-field. 

We expected to meet him, not as coming from the smoke 
and carnage of victory ; not as coming from the battered 



26 



walls of stormed cities ; not as he rode in triumph over the 
bloody fields of the far distant south. We expected to salute 
him as the victor over hearts — as triumphant over the affec- 
tions of a grateful people. But he comes no more — he will 
never come. 

That iron frame, which for so many years resisted the 
storms of the elements and of war, has sunk beneath the 
power of a conqueror, far mightier than all the armies of the 
globe. That hand " which swayed the rod of empire " has 
relaxed its grasp forever — that voice, which controlled the 
tide of battle, and spoke in accents of mercy to the vanquish- 
ed, is silenced in death — that eye, which so often sternly 
glanced along the serried ranks of gallant troops, arrayed for 
conflict, and which but yesterday beamed with all the kind- 
ness of social afiiections, has lost its lustre, and is dimmed for- 
ever in " the shadow of the valley." 

But his memory will never perish so long as the race shall 
retain a sense of the virtue of humanity. While the records 
of mankind are preserved, so long will the memory of Zach- 
ary Taylor be enshrined in the hearts of the enlightened, the 
good, and the true of every land. 

[The Mayor here manifested the most deep emotion, but, 
after a few moments resumed, in substance, as follows ;] I 
hardly know how to proceed. The subject is too great for 
me — especially on such a sudden call. Other and eloquent 
tongues will speak his history and praises to you, and to the 
world. Thank God there was something in Zachary Tay- 
lor which will never die. His soul, " in trembling hope," 
has returned to "the bosom of his Father and his God," and 
we will not doubt that he has found mercy with Him, who 
has promised to reward the merciful ; that he has found ac- 
ceptance with Him, whom he was not ashamed to own as his 
master while on earth. In the expectation of his speedy 
coming to our city, we had prepared his chariot of state to 
receive him at our gates. But he no longer needs nor covets 
our reception. I cannot but feel that he, who could truly re- 



27 



sign his spirit with the words which are reputed to be his last, 
had a better equipage on his journey home than all which earth 
could furnish. As I think of his passage to his mansion in 
the skies, I fancy that I descry from afar the radiant splen- 
dors of " the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof." 

Indeed, and indeed, it seemed to me as if the measure of 
our country's difficulties and dangers was more than full when 
the desolating news broke upon my unwilling ear this morn- 
ing. Dangers and threatenings there were, more than enough, 
before. Amid the darkness and confusion we all turned with 
trust and hope to that glorious old man. But that hope is 
broken ; and too late, I fear, we shall find the extent of our 
loss. Not that he was the " last good man whom Rome 
adored" — Rome was never without a great and good man, 
but there were fatal periods in her history when she had not 
the right good man. The greatness and goodness of General 
Taylor were united with a personal influence over men, 
which could control factions, reconcile disputes, and destroy 
hostile and selfish combinations. 

I am in the habit of anticipating good even from events of 
this calamitous character. In the present case, I cannot con- 
jecture how the death, at this moment, of the illustrious sol- 
dier-statesman will be productive of good. But I know how 
it may be — by calling forth the mingled tears of all sects, all 
parties, all classes throughout the land — by bringing them to- 
gether in mourning union. As they mingle their sorrows, 
kindlier aflections may be rekindled, better principles may be 
awakened, wiser counsels may command attention, and may 
prevail in the ordering of our public aff"airs. The now swell- 
ing passions, agitated by fierce political discussions, upon vast 
and unwonted issues, may be assuaged by the unexpected oc- 
currence of an overwhelming sorrow, and there may arise, 
out of a general mourning, a mild and steady light to lead us 
out of the dark and rugged path. These things I speak of 
as hopes. Yes from the decease of oar beloved President, 
such a light may rise. And gladly would he, at any time, 



28 



have welcomed death, could he have foreseen such a happy 
effect. For such a blessing to his country, glad would he 
have been to have sacrificed that life, so often periled in its 
service. Let us hope then for such a happy issue from that, 
which we now, for the moment, regard only as a national 
calamity. 



At the conclusion of the Mayor's remarks, the Order from 
the Common Council, appointing the President of that branch 
of the City Government, and one member from each Ward, 
a Committee of Arrangements for celebrating the Obsequies 
of President Taylor, was read and concurred, and the Mayor 
and the whole Board of Aldermen were joined ; and the 
City Council then adjourned. 



CiiTT Hall, July 12, 1850. 

The Committee of the City Council having in charge the 
arrangements for celebrating the obsequies of the late Presi- 
dent Taylor have voted. 

That the bells of the City shall be tolled and minute guns 
be fired between the hours of 12 and 1 o'clock, on Saturday, 
the 13th instant — the time selected for the funeral services at 
Washington. The Shipping of the Harbor and proprietors 
of Public Buildings are requested to wear their flags at half- 
mast during the day. 

For the Committee, 

JOHN P. BIGELOW, Chairman. 



29 



City of Boston, July 13, 1850, 

The Joint Committee of the City Council, who were au- 
thorized to make such arrangements as they may judge expe- 
dient in relation to demonstrations of the public respect for 
the memory of Zachary Taylor, late President of the United 
States, — having already taken measures to indicate the 
mourning recognition by Boston of the ceremonies of inter- 
ment which this day are taking place in the federal city of 
our Union, — do recommend the adoption of the following 
resolutions. 

Resolved, That, in the removal from this life of Zachary 
Taylor, late President of the United States, the City Coun- 
cil of Boston do, with the deepest grief, recognize one of the 
most afflictive dispensations with which Divine Providence 
has seen fit to visit this nation. 

Resolved, That, in common with the millions of the Amer- 
ican family, who this day mourn the departure of their great 
political father, we contemplate his character with sentiments 
of profound veneration, — pre-eminently distinguished, as he 
was, for all the virtues, which command admiration for the 
statesman and chief, and love and confidence for the man 
and citizen, — not more conspicuous for his bravery in battle, 
than for his humanity to the vanquished, — his ardent love of 
peace, his wise and judicious conduct of the civil affairs of a 
great people, — always victorious over his foes, and no less 
triumphant over the hearts of his grateful countrymen, — in a 
word, one, upon whose shoulders the mantle of Washington 
rested with a grace and dignity, which marked him as the 
true and fitting successor of the great founder of the republic. 

Resolved, That, in token of the sense of this Council of 
the event, which we so deeply deplore, the halls of both 



30 



branches of the government be shrouded with appropriate 
emblems of mourning. 

Resolved, That a eulogy, upon the life and character of 
the deceased, be delivered before the government and citizens 
of Boston, by such individual, at such time, and attended 
with such ceremonies as the Committee, heretofore appointed, 
may direct. 

Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be communicated 
by his Honor, the Mayor, to the family of the deceased, and 
to the President of the United States. 

For the Committee, 

JOHN P. BIGELOW, Chairman. 



The same Committee subsequently reported that the Hon. 
JosiAH Q,uiNCY, Jr. had been chosen to deliver a Eulogy 
upon the life and character of the illustrious deceased, and 
that CoL. James W. Sever had been appointed Chief Mar- 
shal of the Funeral Procession, and that Thursday, the 15th 
of August, had been selected as the day for observing the 
Funeral Ceremonies in this city ; which was done in accord- 
ance with the following Programme. 



FUNERAL CEEEMONIES 



IN HONOR OF THE LATE 



PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 



COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS. 

JOHN P. BIGELOW, Mayor. 

ALDERMEN. 



Henry B. Rogers, 
Moses Grant, 
Samuel S. Perkins, 
Billings Briggs, 



James Perkins, 
Solomon Piper, 
Samuel Hall, 
Henry M. Holbrook. 



common councilmen. 



FRANCIS BRINLEY, President. 



Abel B. Munroe, 
Freeborn F. Raymond, 
Solomon Carter, 
Henry J. Gardner, 
John M. Wright, 
Ebenezer Dale, 



Daniel N. Haskell, 
WiLLARD A. Harrington, 
James W. Sever, 
Moses Kimball, 
Albert T. Minot, 
Samuel D. Crane. 



Col. JAMES W. SEVER, Chief Marshal. 

AIDS. 



John T. Heard, 
Charles H. Parker, 



Henderson Inches, Jr. 
P. Grant. 



ASSISTANT MARSHALS. 



Francis Tukey, 
Henry N. Hooper, 
Peter C. Jones, 
JoTHAM B. Munroe, 



Col. Wm. Schouler, 
Robert L. Colby, 
Charles T. Savage, 
Henry J. Gardner, 



Granville Mears. 



32 



ORDER or PROCESSION. 



MILITARY ESCORT. 

First Division Mass. State Militia, under command of 
Major General B. F. EDMANDS. 

A Company of U. S. Light Artillery, under command of 
Brevet Major SHERMAN. 

Stationed at Fort Adams, Rhode Island. 



Col. JAMES W. SEVER, Chief Marshal. 
Aid, John T. Heard, Henderson Inches, Jr. 

Aid, Charles H. Parker, P. Grant, 

Clergyman and Orator of the Day. 



Aid. 
Aid. 



Guard of Honor. 



Col. J. K. F. Mansfield, 
Levi Lincoln, 
Nathan Hale, 
Robert G. .Shaw, 
Franklin Haven, 
F. B, Crown inshield, 
John S. Tyler, 
George Morey, 
George Darracott, 
James Cheever, 
George Savage, 
Thomas G. Cary, 
Benjamin Scaver, 
Stephen Fairbanks, 
Edward Brooks, 

Delegation 




Led Horse. 



fcfi 



o 



Com. John Downes, 
Dr. John C. Warren, 
Charles G. Greene, 
Samuel A. Eliot, 
James F. Baldwin, 
Isaac H. Wright, 
James Savage, 
John L. Dimmock, 
William Perkins, 
Isaac Adams, 
Robert Hooper, 
George G. Smith, 
John Rayner, 
Paul Adams. 



of Citizens of Louisiana. 



a 

0) 



33 



DIVISION ONE. 
FRANCIS TUKEY, Esq,., Assistant Marshal. 

Aid, Charles Robbins, Joseph B. Wheelock, Aid. 

Aid, John W. Warren, Jr. Daniel Sharp, Jr., Aid. 

Marshals. Mayor of Boston. Marshals. 

Aldermen and City Clerk. 

President, Members, and Clerk of the Common Council. 

Marshals. Marshals. 

Sheriff of Suffolk. 

Independent Independent 

His Excellency, the Governor and Suite. 

Cadets. Cadets. 

His Honor, the Lieut. Governor, 

And Executive Council of Massachusetts. 

Marshals. Ex-Governors of Massachusetts. Marshals. 

Presidential Electors in 1848, and their Messengers. 
Senators and Representatives in Congress, from Massachu- 
setts, and Ex-Members. 
President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Repre- 
sentatives of Massachusetts. 
Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor of State. 
Attorney General and County Attorney. 
Society of Cincinnati, in Carriages. 
Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution, in Carriages. 
Officers of the Army of 1812. 
Officers who served in the Mexican War. 
Aid. United States Marshal. Aid. 

Judges and Officers of the United States Court. 

Officers of the Army, Navy, and Marine of the United States. 

Foreign Consuls. 

Collector, Naval Officer, and Surveyor, 

And Officers of the Customs. 

Postmaster, 

And Officers of his Department. 

Judges and Officers of the State Courts. 

' LofC. 



84 



President and Faculty of Harvard University. 

Reverend Clergy. 

Senators and Representatives of Massachusetts. 

Field and Staff Officers of the Militia, not on Duty, in 

Uniform. 

Officers of the different Departments of the City Government. 

Past Mayors, Past Aldermen, and Past Presidents of the 

Common Council. 

School Committees. 

Instructers of the Public Schools. 

Port and Consulting Physicians. 

Deputy City Marshal, the Officers and Clerks of the various 

City Institutions. 

City Governments of Salem, Lowell, Cambridge, Roxbury, 

Charlestown, New Bedford, Worcester, and Lynn. 

Mercantile Library Association. 

Scientific, Literary and Musical Societies. 



DIVISION TWO. 

Under the direction of 

HENRY N. HOOPER, Assistant Marshal. 

Aid, Oliver Holman, Abel Tompkins, Aid. 

Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association. 

Franklin Typographical Society. 

Massachusetts Charitable Society. 

Boston Benefit Society. 

Mechanic Apprentices' Library Association. 

Boston Mechanics Listitute. 

Shawmut Association. 

Boston Charitable Association of Master Tailors. 

Shipwrights and Caulkers of Boston and Charlestown. 

Middlesex Mechanics' Association. 

Worcester County Mechanics' Association. 

Salem Charitable Mechanics' Association. 



35 



DIVISION THREE. 

Under the direction of 

PETER C. JONES, Assistant Marshal. 

Aid, John McClellan, E. Sewall Price, Aid. 

Masonic Fraternity. 

Grand Lodge, Grand, and Subordinate Encampments, and 

Subordinate Lodges, throughout the State of 

Massachusetts. 

Rising Sun Lodge. 

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Grand Lodge, Grand, and Subordinate Encampments, and 

Subordinate Lodges throughout the State of 

Massachusetts. 

Order of United Americans. 

Ancient Order of Druids. 

Council of the Star in the East. 



DIVISION EOUR. 

Under the direction of 
JOTHAM B. MUNROE, Assistant Marshal. 
Aid, Charles C. Henry, James Q,uinn, Aid. 

Fire Department of Boston. 
In Uniform, with Banners and Badges and without their 
Apparatus. 
Hook and Ladder Companies. 
City Hose Companies. 
Fire Departments of 
Chelsea, Charlestown, Cambridge, Roxbury, duincy. Water- 
town, Waltham, Brighton, Brookline, Lynn, Dorchester, 
Salem, New Bedford, Lowell, Worcester, and other 
Cities and Towns, with Banners and in Uni- 
form without their Engines. 
Ocean Hose Company, from Springfield. 



3G 



DIVISION FIVE. 

Under the direction of 

Col. WILLIAM SCHOULER, Assistant Marshal. 

Aid, William W. Baker, Dennis W. O'Brien, Aid. 

Scots Charitable Society. 

Irish Charitable Society. 

Roman Catholic Mntual Relief Society. 

Young Catholic Friends Society. 

St. Mary's Mutual Benevolent Total Abstinence Society. 

Irish Protestant Mutual Relief Society. 

Father Mathew Mutual Benevolent Total Abstinence Society. 

United Shamrock Society. 

Mathews Institute Temperance Society. 

Laborers' Aid Society. 

German Gymnastic Society. 

St. John's Temperance Society. 

St. Nicholas Temperance Society. 

St. Augustine Temperance Society. 

South Boston Young Catholic Friends Society. 

Boston Bakers' Benefit Society. 



DIVISION SIX. 

Under the direction of 

ROBERT L. COLBY, Assistant Marshal. 

Aid, J. E. Herrick, J. B. Richardson, Aid. 

Massachusetts Temperance Society. 

Massachusetts Temperance Union. 

Boston Temperance Society. 

Washington Total Abstinence Society. 

North End Total Abstinence Society. 

Young Men's Temperance Society. 

South End Total Abstinence Society. 



37 



Independent Order of Rechabites. 

Templars of Honor of the Sons of Temperance. 

Division No. 1, Sons of Temperance. 

Shaksperian Division No. 46, of the Sons of Temperance. 

Franklin Section, Cadets of Temperance. 

Tremont Section, No. 1, Cadets of Temperance. 

Grand and Subordinate Divisions of the Sons of Temperance, 

and Cadets of Temperance throughout the State of 

Massachusetts. 



DIVISION SEVEN. 

Under the direction of 

CHARLES T. SAVAGE, Assistant Marshal. 

Aid, H. W. Gushing, John H. Reed, Aid. 

Boston Marine Society. 

Seamen's Friend Society. 

Boston Port Society. 

Salem East India Marine Society. 

Commissioners of Boston Pilots. 

Boston Pilots. 

Reverend Clergy of Seamen's Churches. 

Captains and other Officers of Vessels in Port. 

United States and other Seamen in Port. 

Shipping Masters and Landlords of Seamen's Houses. 



DIVISION EIGHT. 

Under the direction of 

HENRY J. GARDNER, Assistant Marshal. 

Aid, P. Butler, Jr., Henry A. Whitney, Aid. 

Natives of Boston resident in other places. 

Citizens in Wards, beginning with Ward One. 



38 



CAVALCADE. 

Under the direction of 

GRANVILLE MEARS, Assistant Marshal. 

Aid, Gilbert Brownell, Joseph M. Wightman, Aid. 

Headed by the BostoiN Truckmen, in White Frocks. 



The Escort will form on the Common near the Charles 
street Mall at 9i o'clock, A. M. ; march up Boylston and 
Tremont streets on the west side, and halt with the head of 
the column on Winter street. 

The Fii'st Division, will form at the City Hall, at Oi 
o'clock, A. M., and follow the Escort when it passes the head 
of School street. 

The Second Divisio?i, will form at 9i o'clock, A. M., on 
Tremont street, east side — right on Winter street. 

The Third Division, will form at 9|^ o'clock, A. M., on 
the Tremont street Mall, — right near the Park street gate. 

The Fourth Division, will form at 9^ o'clock, A. M., on 
the Park and Beacon street Malls, — right near Park street 
gate. 

The Fiftli Division, will form at 9h o'clock, A. M., on 
Beacon street, — right at the head of Park street. 

The Sixth Division, will form on Mt. Vernon street at 9^ 
o'clock, A. M., — right on Beacon street. 

The Seventh Division will form at 9i o'clock, A. M., in 
Pemberton square, and march to Beacon street, — right on 
Mt. Vernon street. 

The Eighth Division will form at 9^ o'clock, A. M., in 
State street, with the right on Washington street, north of 
the Old State House. 

The Caoalcade, will form in Summer street at 9i o'clock, 
A. M., with the right on Washington street. 



39 



The different associations and persons in the above divis- 
ions, are requested to be punctual at the several points of for- 
mation at 9^ o'clock, and retain the positions assigned them 
until they receive the order to move. 

Societies, which have not reported, will have places assign- 
ed them on application to the Chief Marshal in the order in 
which they report. 

All Societies are invited to appear with their appropriate 
badges and banners, those of a political character excepted. 

A detachment from Col. Cowdin's command will fire min- 
ute guns during the procession, and a national salute at 
sunset. 

Persons having charge of the Bells of the several churches, 
are requested to commence tolling with the first, and to cease 
with the last, minute gun. 

The owners and masters of all vessels in port, are requested 
to cause their colors to be hoisted at half-mast, from sunrise 
to sunset. 

All citizens are requested to close their places of business 
at 10 o'clock, A. M., and whether in, or out of the procession, 
to wear the usual badge of black crape on the left arm. 

The Chief Marshal and Aids, and the Assistant Marshals 
and their Aids, will be mounted ; all other Marshals will 
serve on foot. 

The whole will wear black coats, pantaloons and vests, 
and dark gloves. 

The Procession will move from the City Hall at 11 o'clock, 
through Tremont, Court, Washington and Pleasant streets, to 
the junction of Charles and Boylston streets ; thence through 
Boylston, Tremont, Park, Mt. Vernon, Temple, Cambridge, 
Court, Hanover, Salem, Charter, Hanover, Richmond, Com- 
mercial and South Market streets to Faneuil Hall. 



40 



ORDER OF SERVICES IN FANEUIL HALL. 

CHORAL. 

ldtuer's judgment htbin. 
Great God, what do I see and liear ? 
The end of things created : 
The Judge of mankind doth appear, 
On clouds of glorj seated : 
The trumpet sounds ; the graves restore 
The dead whicli they contained before ; 
Prepare, my soul, to meet him. 



SELECTIONS FROM THE SCRIPTURES. 

By George W. Blagden, D. I). 



CHORUS. 

From Handel's Oratorio, "Judas Maccabasus." 

" Mourn, ye afflicted People." 



PRAYER. 

By Rev. S. K. Lothrop. 



REQUIEM. 

Written for the occasion by Hon. George Liint. 

Enshrined in glory, as the golden west 

Eeceives the sinking day-star to its bed, 

So sinks the patriot-hero to his rest. 

And countless blessings ci-own his honored head. 

'Mid hostile armies and exulting strains. 
He led our eagles through the bristling line. 
And came, victorious, from his battle-plains, 
To lay his trophies on his country's shrine. 

His country's wishes hailed the patriot-chief. 
And crowned him glorious with a peo])le's trust ; 
He dies ; — and mourning with a people's grief. 
They weep around their Father's sacred dust. 

Peace be with liim ; — no noljler spirit trod 
The paths of greatness to a hallowed tomb. 
And o'er the laurel wreath that decks his sod, 
In fresher green, eternal olives bloom. 



41 



And oh, through long descending jcars to come, 
Immortal blessings shall attend his name , 
His country's annals be his memory's home, 
And unborn nations love to sjjeak his fame ! 



ORATION. 

By Hon. Josiah Q.uincy, Jr. 



CHORUS. 

From Handel's Oratorio, " Messiah." 

" As by man came Death, 

So also by man came the Resurrection from the Dead. 

As in Adam all die — Even so in Christ shall all be made alive.' 



BENEDICTION. 

By George W. Blagden, D. D. 



The Music will be performed by the Handel and Haydn 

Society. 

J. Earl Williams and Stephen G. Deblois have been ap- 
pointed Assistant Marshals, and will take charge of the 
arrangements in Faneuil Hall. 

The north and south galleries are reserved for ladies, and 
the doors will be open for them only, at 12 o'clock. 

JAMES W. SEVER, Chief Marshal. 
City Hall, August 9th, 1850. 



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